Chapter 1073: Chapter 70: Meeting Emperor Jing, Promotion and Ennoblement!
"Take a day of rest first, prepare yourself, and tomorrow you’ll have an audience with the emperor."
"Yes."
...
In the 16th year of Da Zhi, on December 7th, Zhao Xing, accompanied by Grand Minister of Agriculture Li Boqian, secretly entered the Imperial Palace.
Emperor Jing, Ji Mingjing, received Zhao Xing in Tianyuan Hall.
"Subject Zhao Xing, pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Wishing Your Majesty everlasting longevity!"
Throughout his journey, Zhao Xing did not raise his head. Upon entering the hall, catching the glow from the throne out of the corner of his eye, he respectfully bowed down.
Li Boqian similarly performed a full ceremony.
"Rise."
A majestic voice came from the throne.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Zhao Xing bowed once more, then stood up.
Only then did he gather a glance at the figure on the throne.
The posture on the throne was grand, like a majestic mountain, emanating an irresistible authority.
A robe of purple and gold embroidered with mysterious runes, each line flowing with formidable power, glimmering like stars.
His face was stern and cold, with eyes deep as an abyss, seemingly containing endless wisdom and keen insight into all.
The occasional flash in his eyes seemed to penetrate the fog of time and space, making it impossible to stare directly.
He wore a radiant crown adorned with nineteen gems, each carrying immense power, casting mysterious brilliance that enveloped his figure.
This sight made Zhao Xing’s brow twitch, for Emperor Jing’s figure was over ten meters tall!
Truly a giant!
"Seats granted."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhao Xing and Li Boqian performed the salute again, but this time not a full ceremony, as they walked in square steps to kneel by two tables on the left.
At this moment, the golden radiance surrounding Ji Mingjing receded, reducing the majesty and adding more approachability.
Not making this meeting public indicates a more informal conversation between ruler and minister.
"Your Majesty, I have joyful news to report." After sitting down, Li Boqian spoke.
"Oh? What joyful news is that?"
"Duke Divine Might Zhao Xing returned early from Dragon Court, with great harvests, far exceeding my expectations." Li Boqian replied.
In fact, Emperor Jing was already aware; now they were following protocol.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing immediately stood and reported:
"By Your Majesty’s grace, the minister acquired, by luck, twenty-three pieces of treasure-grade Divine Artifacts in ancient lands, approximately one thousand seven hundred and fifty-two jīn of treasure-grade material [Ancient Dragon Saliva Fragrance], five thousand eight hundred and nineteen jīn of treasure-grade [Dragon Blood Holy Leaf], sixty-one thousand two hundred and sixty jīn of treasure-grade [Dragon Crystal Marrow]."
"Additionally, three rare treasures: Dragon Emperor’s Law Code, Kunyuan Divine Hoe, and Fu Ming Furnace."
The unit of weight in Great Zhou, one jīn is approximately 120 pounds.
Thus, the treasure-grade material [Ancient Dragon Saliva Fragrance] is roughly 105 tons.
[Dragon Blood Holy Leaf] about 349 tons.
The most is [Dragon Crystal Marrow], with 3672 tons!
Treasure-grade materials are measured meticulously!
Zhao Xing gathered vast quantities from the Dragon Court.
Apart from the deceitful ones, many items were unique!
If Mr. Zhao were not afraid of being hunted or fleeing abroad, with such possessions, he could establish a top-tier sect overseas.
Of course, that would be foolish, as soon it would be Emperor Wu Period, with wars breaking out across the Xuanhuang Realm. To abandon Great Zhou for external tribes at this time? That would be foolish too.
After the report, Emperor Jing also smiled, praising: "Chen An has truly achieved great feats, a real fortune bearer!"
This is high praise indeed, especially scarce coming from Emperor Jing, quickly noted down by the historian behind the curtains.
Zhao Xing promptly bowed: "I dare not take credit. My achievements today are entirely due to the nurturing by the court and Your Majesty’s wise leadership."
"I am willing to submit all my gains to enrich our National Treasury, to repay Your Majesty’s generous favor."
Emperor Jing nodded slightly: "It’s commendable you have such intentions, it pleases me, so I grant your wish."
Zhao Xing must express gratitude to Emperor Jing, once again bowing: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"With such contributions, I must reward you." Emperor Jing said: "Kunyuan Divine Hoe, greatly beneficial to you, I allow you to keep by your side."
"Treasure-class Divine Weapons, outer realm entities, inappropriate for prestigious halls, you may select three items from the Imperial Treasury."
Submitting twenty-three items, Emperor Jing rewarded three more, still of your choice; this reward is not inconsequential.
As for the Ancient Dragon Saliva Fragrance, Dragon Crystal Marrow, Dragon Blood Holy Leaf, Emperor Jing included them in the rewards list for granting imperial ranks.
Since Zhao Xing possesses the Dragon Emperor’s Law, these items can still be utilized.
"Zhao Xing, you were originally a third-rank waiting for transfer; once the Dragon Court closes, I will appoint you as Primary Third-rank, select one Blessed Land as your office, nurturing fortune and seclusion, solidifying your Realm."
"Merit increased by twelve levels, awarded with a hundred thousand acres of land, determined by Boqian and various departments."
"Additionally, bestowing a Death Exemption Token, five hundred jīn of Ancient Dragon Saliva Fragrance, two thousand jīn of Dragon Blood Holy Leaf, ten thousand jīn of Dragon Crystal Marrow, Nine-level Heavy Weapon ’Wuyao Warship’... "
"Specially granting Imperial Court Order, Military Realm Cave Heaven Inspector."
After the rewards were detailed, Zhao Xing joyfully bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Emperor Jing indeed provided generous rewards.
Both merit and position elevated, along with land pertinent to nobility, rewarded further, doubling Zhao Xing’s original holdings.
Returning a third of treasure-grade materials, alongside special permissions allowing Zhao Xing to equip heavy weapon warship, unlocking numerous privileges.
Such as free access to the Imperial Palace via Imperial Court Order, patrol of various Cave Heaven and Blessed Land within the Military Realm, and the Death Exemption Token.
However, generous rewards have ulterior motives.
Emperor Jing consistently did not mention one item: the Dragon Emperor’s Law Code.
Sure enough, after Zhao Xing expressed gratitude, Emperor Jing inquired: "Can the Dragon Court Code be carried with you?"